Here’s where to find the best sledding in Charlotte

Once Mother Nature drops enough snow to cover the tippy tops of the grass blades, it’s time to drag the sleds to these tried-and-true hills around Charlotte.

Have a favorite sledding spot not listed here? Add it to the comments below.

Cordelia Park: Located on North Davidson in the Optimist Park neighborhood near NoDa, it’s the gold standard in urban sledding – long, steep hills and a lovely view of the Charlotte skyline. Be warned: This isn’t one for the little tykes, as steep slopes mean they could easily lose control.

Veteran’s Memorial Park: There are several good, broad hills here, Plaza-Midwood neighbors say. If you’re (carefully) driving there, park on Iris Drive, off Central Avenue, for easy access.

Latta Park: Throngs of sledders head to the big hill in this Dilworth-neighborhood park. Smaller slopes border the area near Dilworth School; steeper ones sit near Dilworth Road East and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It’s super popular among locals so it won’t be a solitary experience. But aren’t the crowds part of the fun?

Freedom Park: Hills near the amphitheater at the center of the park offer some nice rides. And the city’s most popular urban park is a good place to take a walk and enjoy the (rare) view of Charlotte covered in white.

Morrison YMCA: A favorite of Ballantyne residents, there’s a big hill bordering the facility’s soccer fields that becomes big, wide sledding haven. And the fields offer plenty of room for making snowmen or snow angels.

Elon Park Recreation Center: Off Ardrey Kell Road in the Ballantyne area sits a prime sledding slope between athletic fields and a disc golf course. (If you’re a newcomer to this park, make a mental note to return for a game of disc golf when the snow melts and the temperatures rise.)

This story was originally published January 6, 2017 at 12:51 PM with the headline "Here’s where to find the best sledding in Charlotte."